2025 Nonprofit Excellence Awards

The Central West Justice Center, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Community Legal Aid, provides free legal help to low-income and elderly residents of central and western Massachusetts. Their advocates focus on cases involving humanitarian-based immigration law, employment rights, housing and homelessness issues, and access to public benefits.

Lawrence CommunityWorks, Inc. (LCW) is a community development corporation founded in 1986 that weaves together community planning, organizing, and asset-building efforts with high-quality affordable housing and commercial development to create vibrant neighborhoods and empowered residents. By facilitating conversations and action on community priorities, LCW engages partners and a network of youth and adult residents in opportunities to move themselves and the city of Lawrence forward.

Housing Navigator MA seeks to connect people with a place to call home. They are the”front door” to Massachusetts affordable housing, and they envision a world where everyone has the information and equitable access they need to find a secure, affordable home they love.

Kathleen Marchi is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Samaritans, Inc.. Samaritans provides lifesaving suicide prevention services to all who need support in Greater Boston and beyond.  Each day, Samaritans staff and volunteers answer hundreds of calls and texts from people in crisis or in need of a compassionate connection.  They also offer support groups for those affected by suicide and training that helps schools and communities prevent suicide. Together, they’re helping to create a world without suicide, one connection at a time.

The Latinx Community Center for Empowerment (LCCE) is committed to elevating the socioeconomic status of Latinx communities by creating inclusive pathways to education, access to social services, civic participation, and enriching arts and culture experiences. Through culturally responsive programming, advocacy, and community partnerships, LCCE serves as a hub for opportunity and empowerment, strengthening the voice and visibility of Latinx individuals across the Greater Lowell area.

Derrick Young, Jr. is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Leadership Brainery, a nonprofit focused on preparing young leaders ages 18–24 for success in graduate school.  They equip students with the preparation, guidance, and insight needed to compete for admission to selective master’s and doctoral programs—and to thrive once they’re there. By strengthening pathways to advanced degrees, Leadership Brainery helps develop leaders ready to shape their fields and communities.